‘Buildable and investable’
“When islands have fixed links like causeways, bridges and tunnels, they experience repopulation, economic growth and a reduction in average age.
“Doing nothing is not an option in Shetland. We have islands depending on old, unreliable, carbon-heavy ferries, which are depopulating and continually at risk of ferry breakdowns.
“I look forward to the debate in the Chamber later in June, where we’ll consider all the options before us.”
“We know that the tunnels can be built. From an engineering perspective it is relatively straightforward. The real challenge is whether we as a nation take a short-term or long-term view.
“As our global experience tells us, people will be attracted to live in remote and rural places if they are easy to get to, easy to get around, digitally connected and with job opportunities and an affordable standard of living.
“Fixed links can change how people in Scotland live, work and travel. They can reverse depopulation, provide vital services and support economic growth.
“Once Scotland builds its first tunnel, it will never stop.”